Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1887-01-27
A GENTLEMAN.

30 Jenny! said another FROM
such little monster.
An old gentleman who was reading
glanced up from his pamphlet. The
newsboy was dwarf, and n hunch-
back. His face, which was bent back
on his shoulders, twitched suddenly at
the girls words, but he did not look to-
ward her, as he stood waiting for his
money. The old gentlemans grave
look of rebuke angered the girl.
ut makes me slck! she said, with
look of disgust. 'The conductor ought
not to allow him to come on board"
The boy turned and looked at her
steadily. Everybody on the car ex-
pected torrent of vile abuse, but he
said, gently:
IF the Beast was not here, the peo-
pie on the car would not appreciate the
Beauty at her real value" and then
bowling to her, he went out, amid the
smiles of all the passengers.
The old gentleman-whow was we'll
known physician, DR.. Avery-followed
him, but lie was already out of sight.
"Who is that boy?" he asked the con-
ductor. .....
'tHis names Willy, and his route is
on this street don't know anything
more"
"He has an educated voice, and he
showed good breeding and sense just
now"
mo doubt. The other newsboys call
him Gentleman Bill Everybody likes
him. We conductors give him the free
dom of the cars on this street.
A few days afterwards, DR.. Avery was
on car late IN the evening, when Will
ly came in, carrying a large bundle of
papers He sold none, and turned to
60 out, looking discouraged and anx-
ious.
DR.. Avery stopped him, drew out a
paper, and handing him a piece of
silver, said, Never mind the change"
mo, thank you," said tho boy, smil-
ing, as he gave it to him.
'Why not, young independence"
Il don't need aims, sir. | really get
on very well. And if did"
"You would not take itP'
at would be the-hardest thing ever
had to do Good-evening, sirP" and
touching his cap, the little hunchback
swung himself off the car.
Dr. Avery after that often met the
boy, who puzzled and interested him.
There was nothing morbid in him; he
was always ready with laugh or merry
answer. His voice was controlled and
gentle, and there was fine courtesy, a
tact, delicate feeling. in all his words,
that we do not find sometimes in those
who call themselves gentlemen. In
spite of the boys wretched clothes and
patched shoes, DR., Avery found him
self talking to him rs to an equal, and
always thought of him us his little
friend.
Late one night, when it was storm
ing heavily. he met him, trudging down
Chestnut street
"4. .,s.a nar life, my boy" he
N ii ~ n.r IS you think. sir" he
81 Il. ca rrtu y, Il am never sick an
lur, Tnra do u better business than
ot rri ,vS h.r.,u,c of-hS," glancing
drNl - mis- II. formed body.
20 !!
IT,. aociJr was confused for a min
ute
IL We YOU any plans, Willy? Do
Nt Yer look iorward!"
Yes. Oh. have it all planned out!
J. | could save enough to start street.
stall of books and papers, then after
year or two | would be able to open
shop, and then a big store. Some
men who began that way in Philadel-
phia have become publishers, and live
in beautiful houses of their own"
"Hillo! Do yom care for fine houses?"
"Not for myself sir" -t-.-.
He became suddenly silent. and at
the corner of the next street said 'Good-
nightr' and ran away.
A moment later DR.. Avery heard cries
and shouts in the direction which Willy
had taken; but such things are com.
mon in great city. He hurried home.
The next morning, looking over the
paper, he read:
"A little hunchback newsboy, known as
Gentleman Will was knocked down by a
runaway horse last night. DR.: Johns pro-
nounced the injuries mortal. The lad was
taken to the Penn Hospital"
DR.. Avery was soon beside the cot
on which the misshapen little body
was laid.
Willy looked up, trying to smile. "It
is not so bad rs they say, is it? can't
die now! have too much to do"
"What have you to do, nay boy?
Let me be your friend; let me help you,
if can"
II thought you would come, maybe.
haven't anybody to come. The boys
are good friends, but they couldn't do
anything now"
Il have come, you see. Tell me what
can do. my boy.n ,.4Ei
The lad waited until the nurse had
passed his cot and then whispered:
n ''lts Lefty, sir. She is my sister. /
have her out with farmers wife near
Media. She goes to school there. 1t
takes oil | can make to pay her board
and buy her clothes. I like to see her
look nice. His mind began to wan
der, and he began to mutter at inter-
walls. s{ f.rry
'If could start the stall-the shop
carriage for Lefty"
The doctor was forced to leave him.
When he came back In tho afternoon,
he was rational, and when the doctor
wished to 60 for his sister, said:
mo, don't bring Lefty here. She
mustn't know how poor | am. When